Practice Update: What Professionals Who Are Not Brain Injury Specialists Need to Know About Intimate Partner Violence-Related Traumatic Brain Injury

Trauma Violence Abuse. 2016 Jul;17(3):298-305. doi: 10.1177/1524838015584364. Epub 2015 May 6.

Abstract

There is growing recognition of the risk for traumatic brain injury (TBI) among victims and survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV). A wide range of physically abusive behaviors may lead to injuries to the head or neck and place an individual at risk for a TBI. The purpose of this article is to consolidate current research and present practical guidelines for professionals, who are not brain injury specialists, but work with clients who may have sustained a TBI in the context of IPV. Recommendations are provided for TBI risk screening, making appropriate referrals, and providing services in light of a potential TBI.

Keywords: battering; domestic violence; intimate partner violence; traumatic brain injury; victimization.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Brain Injuries, Traumatic / complications
  • Brain Injuries, Traumatic / diagnosis*
  • Crime Victims*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intimate Partner Violence / psychology*
  • Male
  • Mass Screening
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • Referral and Consultation
  • Risk Factors
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / complications
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / diagnosis